A Specter Haunting Europe

Although it's 79 years since Nazis and their looting, many descendants of Jews and other victims have never received proper compensation.

The next time you visit a city in Europe, take time to admire some of the stunning examples of old-world architecture. Then remember: More than a few of those gems -- and vast numbers of more prosaic properties -- are not in legitimate hands. They were looted during the Nazi era of 1933-45.

Hitler's minions spent years -- first in Germany and then in other lands -- perfecting methods to rob the Reich's enemies. Jews were foremost among them, but the Nazis also stole from social democrats and others. They took just about...